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LIFEGUARD TRAINING
RED CROSS LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION
This course is designed to teach you everything you need to know to start your career as a certified lifeguard. Through videos, group discussions, and hands-on practice, you'll learn teamwork, professional rescue and surveillance skills, First Aid, CPR/AED, and other skills needed to work as a Certified Lifeguard.
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REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSES:
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Must be 15 years of age and attend every class.
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Participants will have to swim 150 yards without stopping using Breast Stroke and Freestyle, tread water for 2 minutes without arms, then swim another 50 yards.
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Complete the timed "Brick Test," where the participants must swim 20 yards, dive 7-12 feet to retrieve an object, and swim it back on their back, keeping their head above water.
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A swimsuit is required for each day.
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2025 DATES & TIMES:​
2025 Dates Full Certification Class:
April 5th, 6th, and 12th from 8-4 pm (classes held at the Shelby Branch)
April 13th, 19th, and 26th from 8-4 pm (classes held at the Shelby Branch) *Classes Full*
May 10th, 11th, and 17th from 8-4 pm (classes held at the Shelby Branch) *Classes Full*
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2025 Dates Recertification Class:
​April 27th from 1-6 pm (classes held at the Galion YMCA) *Classes Full*
May 4th from 1-6 pm (classes held at the Galion YMCA) *Classes Full*
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COST:
$200 for Y members
$250 for non-members
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PRE-REQUISITE:
Before attending the in-person class, participants must watch and complete a video course through the Red Cross. You must be registered for the class before gaining access to the pre-requisite videos.​​
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To sign up for Red Cross Certifications or for questions about future classes, please contact:
Tasha Bays - Aquatics Director - lbays@ymcanco.org or 419-522-3511 ext 264​​​​​
LIFEGUARD BOOTCAMP
Junior Lifeguarding has a strong focus on developing swimming skills to help participants meet the Lifeguarding course prerequisite. The course also introduces participants to lifesaving skills, such as in-water rescues and the use of a rescue tube.
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Participants will also have the opportunity to shadow lifeguards to get a sense of being on the job. Train with a certified lifeguard for 6 weeks, and participants will be physically prepared for the lifeguard pre-test. *Certification is not guaranteed and is dependent on completing the test and skills necessary. *
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2025 DATES & TIMES SHELBY BRANCH:
2025 Dates TBD​
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For more information on Junior Lifeguarding Bootcamp at the Shelby Branch, contact:
​Michele Irey - Lead Program Assistant - shelbyprograms@ymcanco.org or 419-347-1312 ext. 501